Went a bit out of my way to give a co-worker a ride to the train station after work. Also, put in the extra effort to give a speech which hopefully opened an opportunity for personal growth and community building within our Toastmasters club. 

I coined this phrase some time ago,

“If you don’t give your time, give a little. If you give a little, give more. If you give a lot, give better.”

And I think today’s time given was a good example of this. I was signed up to give a speech at my Toastmasters club. I had two choices in how to prepare – 1. Little or none, or 2. Careful preparation.

There’s a time and place for little or no preparation, but I know that when I give that extra effort, whether it is crafting a speech or giving my time, better things result.

I chose number 2. I crafted my speech. I wrote and rewrote it. I thought about what I was giving, and how best to reach my audience. I struggled over word economy and word choice. It was a late night.

After the speech, I felt I had opened a door to our club members. Based on some initial reactions, I believe that some people recognized the door was open to them. If they take the opportunity, they will benefit. And if they benefit, my time will have been well-spent.

How much effort we give is a daily choice.